Laura Mercier – Lip Stain in Sugar Violet Review
Laura Mercier Lip Stain in Sugar Violet ($20.00)
I was excited to try this product, because I am always on the hunt for a good lip stain so I can get the lovely color while keeping my lips kissable. However, while this product is labeled a lip stain, it acts more like a lipstick, though it feels weightless, and thus like a stain or tinting balm. I found that the color would kiss-off if you went in for a peck with any pressure (poor boyfriend, always the test subject!).
Sugar Violet is a subtle raspberry color that gives a nice color with very little sheen. It does wear well through eating, talking, etc., but it didn’t pass my kiss-test, which is incredibly important to me. I love me some lipstick+lipgloss, so if it’s still going to rub-off onto my boyfriend’s lips, I might as well opt for a heavier combo, you know? To be fair, though, since this gives you good color with little product, it doesn’t leave a big sloppy, goopy, or sticky mess on someone else’s face/lips.
I did find the price to be a little steep, even though you are bound to get plenty of usages out of the little glass jar, because there is plenty o’ product in it. Not to mention I have such a massive collection of lip products, I’m always hard pressed to ever finish any of them anyway! I would try this product again, because it feels good and leaves decent color behind (which I feel a lot of tints/stains fail to do — can you blame me for wanting a lipstick that acts like a balm?). If I try another, I would definitely head straight for Scarlet (red stain) and Shy Pink (pale pink stain).
Have you tried any? If so, what did you think? Favorite colors?
OMG Christine! It’s like your written review was a dictation of my thoughts 🙂 I tried this exact product in the exact same color a few months ago when they raved about it in Lucky magazine. I’m always looking for a lip stain too, and you’re right, it’s so not. I was disappointed and didn’t buy it. Not because I didn’t like the color, it’s beautiful, but because it’s not a stain. I just didn’t need another sheer glossy type of product.
On another note – I really like all of the reviews you’ve done lately of non-MAC stuff. Makes me want to consider other brands 🙂 (although I always go BACK TO MAC!)
That’s so great, Shefali! I love feeling like I’m on the same page with readers, and it is good to get confirmation about what I felt on a product.
You got my thinking exactly! If it was a stain, would’ve LOVED it!
Thank you so much 🙂
Christine, have you tried Revlon’s Just Bitten lip stains? They’ve been around for awhile already, though they’re apparently limited edition.
Those are the most pigmented lip stains I have EVER tried. I’ve got really, really, REALLY dark lips and they still show. So you might wanna try em.
Quote the boyfriend “Have you been chewing your lips? no? They look.. I dunno.. bitten or something”.
Bingo 😉
Hey Sal! I have not, though I’ve seen them – there’s something about paying $9+ for a drugstore lip product that gets me, lol.
I have the Laura Mercier lip stain in Mulberry and it is a bit stain-like, I think. While not a true stain, it definitely lasts longer on me than regular lipsticks and balms. I like layering it with other red/plum lipsticks and glosses. Too bad I don’t like any of the other colors it comes in, though, or I would pick up more of these!
Hey Carrie! I agree, the lasting power is definitely longer than a regular lipstick. When you layer, does it extend the wearing time?
Yeah, it does help it to last longer. Darn it, now I can’t remember the exact order in which I layer it…I think I kind of brush/mix the stain and the lipstick together.
I know the last time I wore that kind of combo, I was wearing red lipstick through a meal and it really helped the color last. Less ended up on the rim of my glass and more stayed on my lips. At the end of the meal I was like, “oh, time for a touch-up…wait, no, it’s not necessary!”
Thanks for the heads up, Carrie 🙂 I will have to try this!